Modular Vehicle Subassembly Autonomous Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high costs and capital expenditures associated with building or adapting conveyer systems and automatic guided vehicle (AGV) systems for vehicle subassembly movement in assembly plants hinder efficient manufacturing of different product configurations within the same facility.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing modular vehicle subassemblies (MVS) that includes assembling propulsion, suspension, steering, and braking systems onto a vehicle frame, integrating an onboard controller to enable untethered movement through assembly lines, and using wireless communication for command and data transmission, allowing for remote or autonomous operation and efficient movement between assembly stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conveyer systems or automatic guided vehicle (AGV) systems are built to move vehicle subassemblies along assembly lines, then vehicle subassembly movement and assembly operations are enabled, but the time, investment and capital expenditure required are prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the movement function from traditional conveyer systems and AGVs by enabling vehicle subassemblies to move autonomously using their own onboard propulsion systems. This removes the need for extensive mechanical infrastructure while maintaining the ability to transport subassemblies through the assembly facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical conveyer systems and AGV-based transport with electronically controlled autonomous vehicle subassemblies that use their own propulsion systems. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical infrastructure in favor of electronic control and self-propelled movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conveyer systems or automatic guided vehicle (AGV) systems are adapted for specific application tasks, then specialized assembly operations are supported, but the time, investment and capital expenditure required are prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling vehicle subassemblies to autonomously navigate to different assembly stations and by allowing the assembly system to dynamically assign tasks based on real-time needs. This dynamic approach replaces static, dedicated mechanical infrastructure with flexible, reconfigurable autonomous systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal vehicle subassemblies with onboard controllers and propulsion systems that can perform multiple assembly tasks across different stations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized mechanical infrastructure for each assembly task, as single subassemblies can adapt to various roles.
3Productivity
If traditional assembly plant infrastructure is built to support projected vehicle assembly volume, then manufacturing capacity is established, but the system lacks flexibility for different product configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by enabling autonomous vehicle subassemblies to be dynamically routed to different assembly stations based on real-time production needs and product configuration requirements. This dynamic system maintains high productivity while adapting to varying product mixes without requiring physical reconfiguration of infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the assembly system into independent, autonomous vehicle subassemblies that can operate independently and be dynamically assigned to different tasks. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall productivity while individual units can be flexibly allocated to support different product configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a modular vehicle subassembly (MVS) includes assembling a propulsion system onto a vehicle frame, assembling a suspension system onto the vehicle frame, assembling a steering system and braking system onto the vehicle frame, assembling an electrical distribution system onto the vehicle frame, and integrating an onboard controller with the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system. The onboard controller is configured to command the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system such that the MVS is operable to move untethered through a top hat assembly line during assembly of a top hat on the MVS.